IPL 2025: 5 ‘Power Players’ who can finally lift Punjab Kings' trophy curse

Punjab Kings enter the new IPL season with a fresh leadership duo of Shreyas Iyer, last year’s title-winning captain with Kolkata Knight Riders, and Ricky Ponting, the seasoned strategist who previously coached Delhi Capitals. The two have a proven track record, guiding Delhi to the playoffs in 2019 and the final in 2020.

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With a revamped squad following the mega auction and a strong core of all-rounders, can Punjab Kings finally break their 10-year playoff jinx? Here are five 'Power Players' who could be the game-changers this season.

Shreyas Iyer

Punjab Kings broke the bank for Shreyas Iyer, securing him for ₹26.75 crore—the second-highest price in tournament history. Fresh off an IPL-winning season as KKR captain, Iyer has been vocal about not receiving due credit for his leadership. Now, reunited with coach Ricky Ponting—under whom he led Delhi Capitals to the playoffs in 2019 and the final in 2020, the 30-year-old will be tasked with transforming PBKS, a team with a history of underachievement, into genuine contenders.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Once a mainstay in India’s white-ball setup, Yuzvendra Chahal now finds himself on the fringes, more often in the news for off-field moments than on-field exploits. However, the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker (205*) remains a game-changer. Punjab shelled out ₹18 crore for the leg-spinner, hoping he can improve upon last season’s tally of 18 wickets despite an economy rate of 9.41. If he rediscovers his best form, he could be PBKS’s trump card.

Arshdeep Singh

Reacquired by Punjab Kings for ₹18 crore, Arshdeep Singh has been a consistent performer for the franchise. Currently India’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, he remains a vital asset, both in the Powerplay and at the death. Though he took 19 wickets last season, his economy rate of 10 was a concern. PBKS will be hoping for improved efficiency alongside his wicket-taking prowess this time around.

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Shashank Singh

After a breakout 2024 season—423 runs at a blistering strike rate of 161—Shashank Singh has firmly established himself as one of Punjab’s key power hitters. His late-order fireworks were instrumental in several of PBKS’s big wins, and the franchise will be counting on him to replicate those match-winning performances again this year.

Azmatullah Omarzai

The Afghan all-rounder was acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹2.40 crores at the auction, and he will be eager to make an impact in the T20 format. While Omarzai has primarily made his mark in ODIs with his exceptional all-round abilities, the IPL presents the perfect stage for him to prove his prowess in the shortest format of the game. Although his T20 record isn't particularly eye-catching (492 runs at a strike rate of 110), Punjab Kings will be hoping he can translate his ODI success into this format.